Osstem vs Dentium: Comparing Korean Implant Systems and Choosing a CAD Library
Osstem and Dentium are the two most recognized Korean implant systems on the CIS and global emerging markets. They are often perceived as interchangeable, but in a digital workflow the differences become critical: different connections, different compatible scan bodies, and therefore different CAD libraries. Let's break down how the systems differ and how to avoid mistakes when loading a library into exocad, 3Shape, or Medit.
Brief background
Osstem Implant was founded in South Korea in 1997 and is now a leading player in Asia, expanding rapidly across Europe and the CIS. The brand emphasizes universal protocols and broad prosthetic compatibility.
Dentium was established in 2000 by a team historically linked to early Osstem, which is why the two systems share similar geometry. Dentium positions itself as a more premium line with a stronger digital ecosystem (Dentium Digital).
Connection types
Osstem uses two main platforms: Mini (~2.45 mm, for implants up to 4.0) and Regular (~2.9 mm, for 4.5 and larger). The TSIII, TSII, SS, and US lines all use an 11° conical connection with an internal hex.
Dentium follows a similar concept: SuperLine, Implantium, and NR Line use an 11° conical connection with an internal hex, Regular (2.9 mm) and Mini platforms. Geometrically Osstem TSIII Regular and Dentium SuperLine Regular are very close but not identical: tolerances, hex length, and abutment shape differ, so official cross-compatibility is not claimed.
Main implant lines
Key Osstem lines: TSIII (the most popular all-rounder), TSIII SA/CA with different surface treatments, TSIV for soft bone, US II/III (external hex), and older SS series still present in practice.
Dentium's main lines are SuperLine (the flagship with aggressive threads), Implantium (a time-tested classic), NR Line (narrow implants), and the newer Rescue series for complex cases. For digital prosthetics you must know the exact line and platform diameter — the library is chosen by these parameters.
Market presence and components
In the CIS region Osstem TSIII is one of the most widely placed implants in the mid-price segment, with broad distribution and stable supply of prosthetic components. Dentium SuperLine and Implantium are also widely available, particularly strong in large clinics and labs running full digital workflows.
Both brands offer official scan bodies, ti-bases, and multi-unit abutments, plus many compatible third-party options from Medentika, NT-Trading, DESS, and Createch — important when ordering components for an already designed case.
Choosing the CAD library
For exocad, 3Shape Dental System, and Medit Design there are both official manufacturer libraries and third-party ones (DESS, NT-Trading, Medentika). When selecting, focus on three parameters: brand (Osstem or Dentium), line (TSIII, SuperLine, Implantium, etc.), and platform diameter (Mini/Regular). Also consider the scan body manufacturer and the planned restoration type: ti-base crown, bridge on multi-units, or direct screw-retained.
A common mistake is loading a generic Osstem library to work with Dentium SuperLine. The abutment interface geometry will be off by tens of microns, leading to gaps and decementation. Always verify the ti-base SKU against the library before milling.
What to choose
If a clinic already runs Osstem, staying in that ecosystem makes sense: libraries are well-tested, components are cheaper and faster to source. Dentium is the right pick when SuperLine's aggressive primary stability matters or when you need a robust digital line for All-on-4/6 cases.
For a dental lab, having both system libraries installed is optimal — it covers 70–80% of Korean-implant cases in the region. If you need help installing the latest Osstem, Dentium, or third-party compatible libraries for exocad and 3Shape, contact us on Telegram or WhatsApp and we'll help configure them for your software version.